The Becker Bulldog wrestling team had two incredible performances last week, as they picked up another Mississippi 8 Conference win and then placed first in a large invitational tournament.

Thursday night, the Bulldogs manhandled the Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets, 62-6.

Bennett Kujawa picked up a major decision at 106 pounds, but dropped the 113 pound match to trail in the match 4-6. From there, the Bulldogs won 12 straight en route to the victory.

Winners from the Bulldogs in the lower weights included: Kaden Nicolas (man.dec. 120), Landen Kujawa (dec. 126), and Drew May (maj. dec. 132).

The Bulldogs then scored three straight pins, with Ethan Duncombe (138), Ethan Anderson (145) and Mason Doucette (152), each sticking their opponent in the second period.

Adam Jurek then won a 22-7 tech. fall over his opponent at 160, followed by Tyson Ricker’s 4-2 decision win at 170.

The upper weight were dominated once again by the Bulldogs, as Ryan Nelson scored a fall with just six seconds left in his match at 182, while Dylan Weber stuck his man at 195 in the second period.

Joe Goth then eked out a 4-3 decision at 220, while Bryce Kuschel scored a first period pin in the 285 pounds match.

The dual match win then set up a monumental tilt for Thursday evening, when Becker will host Big Lake with a possible Mississippi 8 title on the table.  Check back in next week’s Patriot for details.

Hutch Win

Last Saturday, the Bulldogs traveled to the Hutchinson Invite and came away with the championship hardware, scoring 224.5 points to take the crown over second place Watertown-Mayer-Mayer Lutheran (211.5).

There were a total of 12 teams in the field, and Becker also picked up three individual titles in the weight classes.

“The team competed well and continues to progress as we near postseason,” Coach Travis Holt said. “They are developing the attack first mentality and it has shown in their performances. Overall, we were very pleased with the weekend.”

Kaden Nicolas was the 113 pound champion, winning the title match with a first period fall.  Teammate Landen Kujawa picked up the title at 120, as the freshman picked up a MD win over Minneota junior Peyton Gillund.

Dylan Weber continued his recent surge by winning the 182 pound bracket, including a 4-2 decision over WMML senior Jonah Blakstad in the title match for Becker’s third individual title.

Drew May finished fourth at 126, while Ryan Boecker was fourth and teammate Nolan Muellner fifth at 132.

Ethan Anderson was runner-up at 138, while Ethan Duncombe picked up a 4th place finish in the 145 pound bracket.

At 152, Mason Doucette placed third for the Bulldogs, while Adam Jurek was the runner-up at 160, losing a razor close 5-4 decision in the title match.

Tyson Ricker placed second at 170, while Joe Goth finished in sixth place at 195.

Bryce Kuschel finished in third place at 285 to round out the Bulldogs’ win.